Synthesis of Drug-Like Molecules and Investigation of Their Biological Activity

Authors

Duyen Nguyen '25, DePauw University
Sunny Nguyen '26, DePauw University
Jeffery A. Hansen, DePauw UniversityFollow

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 2024

Abstract

This study examines the products derived from the ring-opening reactions of two novel epoxides—chlorobenzene epoxide and furan epoxide—highlighting their notable biological activity, particularly in the context of potential anticancer agents. One key finding: a synthesized stereoisomer of a hexylamine-derived β-amino alcohol exhibited a remarkably low LC50 value of 6.6 ppm in the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay, significantly outperforming the other isomer compound’s LC50 value, at 13 ppm. This discovery underscores the critical role of stereochemistry in enhancing bioactivity, as evidenced by the distinct physical and chemical properties of the two hexylamine-derived isomers, including differences in appearance and solubility. Building on these results, a β-amino alcohol was also synthesized with ethylenediamine. We plan to couple this with the fluorescent dye BODIPY to probe its intracellular interactions—particularly in the context of anticancer activity. Meanwhile, the ring-opening of furan epoxide with methanol yielded a methoxy derivative, expanding the chemical diversity of the compounds available for further biological screening. Epoxides, renowned for their high reactivity, offer a gateway to structurally diverse and biologically potent compounds. This study highlights their versatility and lays the groundwork for future exploration into their therapeutic potential, particularly in cancer research.

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding provided by the Asher Research Fund.

Recommended Citation

Nguyen, Duyen '25; Nguyen, Sunny '26; and Hansen, Jeffery A., "Synthesis of Drug-Like Molecules and Investigation of Their Biological Activity" (2024). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 140.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/140